Want to get started with Elite Academic Academy? Click below to access the Google Form to begin the enrollment process and help us personalize your child's education! 

Click play on the video below to rewatch the Virtual Academy Information meeting for Downey Unified School District.

FAQ

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Is Elite Academy considered public or private education? Is there tuition required? Are there extra costs?

There is no tuition cost associated with Elite Academic Academy (EAA). EAA is a tuition-free, non-profit public school that serves students in grades TK-12 in the following counties: San Diego, Orange, Kern, Inyo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Riverside, and Imperial. 

Will all students of Downey “who will stay online” move automatically to Elite Academy? What is the enrollment process and where can I get started?

This process is not automatic, you must sign up for it and make the decision that is best for you and your family. The first step to enrolling you child in Elite Virtual Academy is to fill out this GOOGLE FORM

Can clubs be joined at any point of the school year? Do you have a chess club?

Students can join clubs any time they would like! We love helping our students start clubs they are passionate about. Once you meet your Teacher of Record, let them know and they can work with you to make this club come to Elite.

What grade levels can attend Elite Virtual Academy?

Our Virtual Academy is for students in grades 6-12.

How many clubs can students participate in?

A student can participate in as many clubs they have the time for and whatever interests them, as long as they can balance the rest of their schedule.

Will students have classes all week or is it just a certain day?

Students have 1-2 Live Session classes each day with their Content Teachers. They work asynchronously though their coursework every day and can join Content Teacher Lab Hours or Teacher of Record Academic Support Sessions for extra support.

Where will the campus be located?

Elite Academic Academy is a non-classroom based independent study school where students learn from the safety of their homes. We provide opportunities for students and families to meet in-person for field trips (we have had over 100 field trips this school year) and special events (such as Park Days, Prom and Graduation).

Where can I find more information about Elite Virtual Academy?

More information for Elite Virtual Academy can be found on our website, specifically on our Virtual Academy Page! You can also email or call our Director, Mr. Michaelson, with any questions you have.

Email: smichaelson@eliteacademic.com

Phone: (951) 583-1527

What does a student's daily schedule look like?

Each student's daily schedule looks a little different. Students have Live Sessions and Lab Hours with Content Teachers daily. They also have meetings and Academic Support Sessions with their Teacher of Record. You will work with your teacher of record to create a personalized schedule that works for you!

Will you be using Class Dojo?

We use ParentSquare, it is very similar! Within ParentSquare, you can message teachers, RSVP for events, connect with our families and more! Information is sent via app, email, and/or text message.

What if we have an iPad instead of a Chromebook?

Students are able to use a variety of devices such as Chromebooks, iPads, Macbooks, etc. Some students even use their phones to check grades and access assignments if they are unable to be in front of a computer but still want to complete work.

For field trips, are the students picked up or do they need their own transportation?

As an independent study virtual program, we do not provide transportation. Parents often group together to get their children to events. Some field trips are in the evenings and on weekends, so the whole family can enjoy!

What happens if we move outside of Downey?

If a student moves out of Downey, the student can still be enrolled with Elite Academic Academy if they reside and provide a proof of residency in  one of the following counties: Riverside, LA, Orange, Kern, San Diego, Riverside, Inyo and Imperial counties.

What does graduation look like for seniors? Do students get an actual ceremony?

Yes, we have a graduation ceremony! We have a beautiful in-person ceremony each year!

Will Elite Academic Academy or Downey Unified School District issue report cards?

When a student is enrolled with Elite, they are issued grades by their Content Teachers. Progress reports are emailed at the mid-point of each semester and report cards are emailed at the end of each of semester. Student grades can always be checked in real-time on the Canvas online platform.

When will school officially start at Elite Academic Academy?

The first day of school for the 2023/24 school year is August 28, 2023.

For students who have summer school, would it have to be completed in Downey Unified School District?

Students in grades 9-12 can take summer classes at Elite. We offer credit recovery and acceleration, as well as our Peak Performance program designed specifically for student athletes. To learn more about our summer programs, you can visit the Level Up Page

What do the 2 courses in-person and the remainder of courses online look like? 

More details coming once course Master Schedules are finalized and we work with DUSD on how this relationship will work. As soon as we have the system you will get the information. In person classes will be 9-12 only and family transportation will need to be provided. 

If a parent speaks Spanish, will there be a Spanish translators available?

Our online resources and ParentSquare communication platform allow for you to change the language to Spanish. We also have translators available for meetings or to answer any questions.

Is there a way for a student to create a schedule that resembles a regular school day?

We specialize in personalizing your child's education! Students have access to support from Content Teachers, their Teacher of Record, tutors and more! You will work with your child's Teacher of Record to create an education plan and schedule that works for you and supports your child's learning needs and goals!

Do students need their parents to fill out the Google Form or can they do it themselves?

Students can fill out the Google Form themselves. Once we know you are interested in joining Elite, we will be in touch to have an initial conversation about what you are looking for in a virtual education and begin the process of personalizing a virtual educational experience that works for you! You can fill out the form at this link: GOOGLE FORM.

TEACHERS OF RECORD 

What happens after I complete the Google Form?

After you complete the Google Form, one of our enrollment specialists will reach out to being conversations about how to personalize your child's education and walk you through the next steps.

Does completing the Google Form ensure that my student has a spot at Elite?What happens after I complete the Google Form?

Yes, we have a special partnership with Downey USD. Completing the Google Form ensures your student can enroll with Elite for next school year.

What does the "live session" schedule look like?

Live Sessions are held each day. Students have a Live Session for each course in which they are enrolled Weekly. They can also join Content Teachers during their Lab Hours for extra help and support. Click on these links to see sample schedules: 

Middle School Live Session Schedule | High School Live Session Schedule | Lab Hours Schedule

When is school in session? When can work be completed?

Live Session classes and Lab Hours with Content Teachers, as well as meetings with Teachers of Record, are typically between the hours of 8:30am-3:30pm each day. Students can complete coursework asynchronously at any time that works for them!

Does my student need to meet with every Content Teacher throughout the week?

Students are not mandated to meet with Content Teachers each week, but it is strongly encouraged. Students will have the opportunity to meet during Live Sessions and for Lab Hours support. Students can also view recorded Live Sessions online in Canvas.

How often does my student need to meet with their Teacher of Record (TOR)?

Students meet, at least, once per week with their TOR for a Weekly Check-in Meeting. TORs are always available for questions and/or support--are always just an email, text or phone call away!

Who will be my student's TOR?

When we learn more about your child and family, we match you with a TOR that will help meet your needs, provide guidance and support, and help your child reach their goals.

How are devices made available to students?

Chromebooks are ordered through your child's TOR and shipped directly to your home.

Will there be a physical "Elite" office or representative located in the Downey district?

Students may be able to access a physical location within Downey USD where students can come up to 2 times a week for academic and enrichment support. We are working out details with the district and as soon as they are finalized, we will let you know. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION | 504 PLANS

Do you provide services/accommodations for students with an IEP or 504 Plan?

Yes, we provide students with support, services and accommodations through IEPs and 504 Plans. When a student with an IEP or 504 plan is enrolled with Elite, we will hold a meeting within 30 days to customize a support plan that makes sense for their needs. All IEP services are provided virtually via Zoom.

What do I do if my student has an IEP or 504 Plan?

Please provide a copy of the most current IEP or 504 Plan to the school during the registration process.

ACADEMIC PLANNING / ADVISING

What will it look like for students to still take classes on campus at Downey? Will the classes at Downey be electives or core classes or both?

This will be open to 9-12 students. More details coming once course Master Schedules are finalized.

Can students graduate a year or semester early?

Yes, students can graduate early if they have the credits for a diploma. You will work with our school counselor and your child's Teacher of Record to share your child's goals and create a plan that maps out their coursework leading to graduation.

How do students get set up for concurrent enrollment at a Community College? What is the advantage of concurrent enrollment?

Students work with their Teacher of Record and school counselor to sign up for courses at their local community college. Elite students enrolled in Community College courses can earn dual credit for both high school and college coursework. These classes allow students to challenge themselves and extend their learning. Earning college credits while in high school allows college-bound students to get ahead so they have less general eduatoin classes to take once they get to college.

Do students have to follow a set course sequencing plan?

We personalize each student's educational pathway to ensure they are meeting graduation requirements tand prepared for their postsecondary goals. At Elite, students have the ability to create a course sequencing plan that works for them!

SCOTT MICHAELSON
VIRTUAL ACADEMY DIRECTOR
smichaelson@eliteacademic.com

FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS, OR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK THE EMAIL ABOVE.

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